Deltoid Muscle Strain (Back)

What is the deltoid muscle?

May 5, 2005

What is the deltoid muscle?

The deltoid muscle is the big muscle on the shoulder. It has three parts - the front (anterior), middle and back (posterior). The muscle lifts the arm up sideways. The front part helps to lift the arm up forwards (flexion) and the back part helps to lift the arm up backwards (extension).Symptoms include:

A sudden pain in the muscle at the back of the shoulder.

Pain when lifting arms from the side out backwards against resistance, keeping it straight (extension).

Pain when lifting the arm from the side up sideways against resistance (abduction).

Tenderness and swelling where the muscle is torn.

Grade 1: What does it feel like?

Tightness in the muscle.

The athlete may be able to use arms normally and do press ups.

Probably won't have much swelling.

Trying to lift the arm up sideways or to the front or back of the body probably won't produce a lot of pain.

What can the athlete do?

Apply ice for the first 24 hours (15 mins at a time). Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this may cause ice burns, but wrap in a wet tea towel.

Stretch the back of the shoulder if it is not painful.

Strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.

See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation and treatment.

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